RPD warns of scams

Saturday

The Ridgecrest Police Department is advising the public of a new money scam.

According to an RPD news release, the department received notification on Thursday that residents are receiving what appears to be an official envelope from a legitimate company.

Inside the envelope is a check written out to the local resident. The check appears to be real; however, it is not real and is fraudulently made.

In addition to the fake check, the envelope contains a piece of paper stating this mail should be treated as urgent. The letter requested the recipient to text a specific phone number for “VERTIFICATION” process.

When the number was called it was a non-valid phone number. The financial institution labeled on the check has been contacted and made aware of the scam.

Please be aware of incoming spam mail and if you are unsure if you have received a possible money scam, you can contact the local Police Department to provide a second opinion.

RPD also has been receiving reports of frequent scam calls. If you receive a call regarding your social security card being compromised and suspended, it is a scam. Social Security numbers do not get suspended. This is just a variation of a government impostor scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information. In this variation of the scheme, the caller pretends to be protecting you from a scam while he’s trying to lure you into one.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

Never give out or confirm personal information over the phone, via email or on a website until you’ve checked out whoever is asking you for it.

Do not trust a name, phone number, or email address just because it seems to be connected with the government. Con artists use official-sounding names and may fake caller ID or email address information to make you trust them. Besides, the government normally contacts people by postal mail.

Contact government agencies directly, using telephone numbers and website addresses you know to be legitimate.

If you have any questions, contact RPD at 760-499-5100.

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